On January 30, 1983, the Washington Redskins faced the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XVII at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. In their second Super Bowl appearance, Washington staged a second-half comeback to defeat Miami 27–17, capturing the franchise’s first championship.
Winner: Washington Redskins (27–17)
MVP: John Riggins, Running Back
Game Recap and Highlights
First Half: Dolphins Strike Early
Miami quarterback David Woodley connected on a 76-yard touchdown pass to Jimmy Cefalo and kicker Uwe von Schamann added a field goal. Washington responded with a touchdown pass from Joe Theismann to Alvin Garrett and a Mark Moseley field goal, but the Dolphins held a 17–10 lead at halftime.
Second Half: Riggins Takes Over
The Redskins controlled the second half, sparked by John Riggins’ legendary 43-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-1, which gave Washington the lead for good. Theismann later connected with Charlie Brown for another score, while Washington’s defense shut out Miami the rest of the way.
Key Figures
John Riggins: His 166 rushing yards and iconic touchdown run earned MVP honors, cementing his place as one of the NFL’s great power backs.
Joe Gibbs: The head coach’s adjustments and commitment to the ground game delivered Washington’s first Super Bowl victory and launched his Hall of Fame career.
Impact and Legacy
Super Bowl XVII established the Redskins as a championship franchise and validated their run-heavy offensive philosophy. Riggins’ performance became one of the most iconic in Super Bowl history, while Joe Gibbs’ strategic brilliance earned him recognition as one of the NFL’s greatest coaches.
Global Reach and Cultural Significance
Washington’s comeback, combined with Riggins’ rugged, blue-collar performance, resonated with fans worldwide and strengthened the NFL’s global profile. Culturally, the game highlighted the rise of the Redskins and Riggins’ legendary status. His fourth-quarter run remains one of the most memorable plays in Super Bowl history, symbolizing determination and resilience.
Key Moment: John Riggins’ 43-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-1 in the fourth quarter turned the tide and remains one of the most iconic moments in Super Bowl history.
Postgame Thoughts
Super Bowl XVII marked the beginning of a new era for the Washington Redskins. John Riggins’ MVP performance and Joe Gibbs’ coaching triumph gave the franchise its first title and elevated the Super Bowl’s profile as a dramatic, must-watch global event.